Tag Archives: New York Red Bulls

It seems Fridays are the days reserved for gossiping. Where once you might think such an activity was the reserve of plump, opinionated trollops in social circles blabbering on about this, that, and the other, these days speculative chitter chatter is associated with football journalists.

One of the rumours that appears to be gathering a formidable head of steam is Klaas-Jan Huntelaar moving to Arsenal in January. Like most transfer talk around about this time, it’s published in a great many places, but there isn’t a whole lot of substance – mostly dubious quotes and tenuous links.

I’m not sure we need him. Yes – he’s a bloody good striker, but his main attributes aren’t that dissimilar to Olivier Giroud’s. If we are to enter the market to recruit a new forward – and we should – I’d imagine we’ll be looking at someone a bit different to what we have. Only Theo really offers us lightning pace in the final third. I’d like us to go for someone with technical ability and speed – a different option wouldn’t hurt.

On the subject of Mr ‘Sign Da Ting’, it’s looking more and more likely that we won’t see a resolution to his contract anytime soon. It’s getting a bit silly, isn’t it? He wants to stay, we want him to stay – how difficult can it be? There are sure to be pesky agents trying to extort money from the club behind the scenes, and Theo’s media comments may not truly reflect his desires, but Jesus… can we not get a move on?

One player who may not, contrary to belief, be heading to Arsenal in January is the king of kings, Thierry Henry. Arsene has hardly ruled it out definitively, but it would appear his club, The New York Red Bulls (ridiculous name), are less-than enamoured by the idea, and would prefer their 35-year-old prize asset to get some rest during the American close season.

Truthfully, I’m not entirely sure it’s a good idea. It payed off last time, and provided us with some of the better moments of the season. However, even then it struck me as something of a stop-gap; a quick solution to a problem that required a permanent fix. I love Thierry, as I’m sure you all do, but maybe this year would be one step too many, and it would be better for all concerned if it was put to on side.

Olivier Giroud is starting to show his class, and Walcott and Podolski’s effectiveness from the wings should see both being favoured in those positions – even if Theo may not like it. Another option to be used in rotation with Giroud would keep things fresh, and give us a better strength in depth. I personally think that’s the better choice.

But, hey – that’s just me. What do you think? Would you welcome a permanent signing instead of a loan to cover those departing to the African Cup of Nations? Does the romantic in you wish to see Thierry back? Let me know in the comments.

That’s all for today. Tomorrow I’ll post a preview of the Villa game. Until then, thanks for reading you beautiful bastards.